Marvel’s Upcoming X-Men and Disney’s New Reveals at D23

Marvel’s new X-Men are ready for their close-up. The cast of the upcoming superhero film appeared together for the first time at the Disney Entertainment Showcase during D23. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige introduced Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, a role kept secret before the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Accompanied by “X-Men” director Jake Schreier, they welcomed the rest of the cast, including Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue, and Maya Boyd as Storm. Adam Driver will portray Nathaniel Milbury, known as Mr. Sinister. The film is set to premiere on May 5, 2028.

The Disney Entertainment Showcase, held at the Honda Center, is a major highlight of the three-day D23 fan event. Various segments of Walt Disney Studios, including Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Disney Animation, promoted upcoming projects. Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro was warmly received by the 12,000 attendees. The event was hosted by “Zootopia 2” stars Ke Huy Quan and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Stars promoting their projects included Anne Hathaway (“Princess Diaries 3”), Joe, Kevin, and Nick Jonas (“Camp Rock 3”), Benjamin Bratt (“Coco 2” and “Kingdom Hearts IV”), Kathryn Hahn (“Tangled”), Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Hayley Atwell (“Avengers: Doomsday”), Ryan Gosling (“Star Wars: Starfighter”), and Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad (“Frozen III”).

The presentation unveiled several upcoming features:

• Marvel has announced “VisionQuest,” a Disney+ series featuring Paul Bettany and James Spader. This series follows the events of “WandaVision” as Vision explores complex questions of identity and humanity.
• Lucasfilm showcased “Ahsoka” Season 2 and “Star Wars: Starfighter.” The cast of “Ahsoka” included Hayden Christensen, warmly received by fans. In the new season, Anakin Skywalker challenges Ahsoka on her Jedi identity. “Star Wars: Starfighter” will feature Ryan Gosling as Kade Auberon, introducing a new timeline in the Star Wars universe.

Disney is tapping into nostalgia with sequels and revivals:

• Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow teased “Romy and Michele 2” as Disney princesses.
• Anne Hathaway reassured fans about “Princess Diaries 3.”
• The Jonas Brothers promoted “Camp Rock 3.”
• A teaser for “Tangled” included Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel.
• Jon Favreau is developing “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit” as both a live-action and hand-drawn series.
• Pixar announced “Incredibles 3” and “Coco 2.” “Coco 2” takes Miguel back to the land of the dead.
• “Frozen III” will feature Anna and Kristoff’s wedding and Olaf finding love.

Disney promises new animated stories:

• “Hexed” starring Hailee Steinfeld explores a young witch’s journey.
• “Clay,” scheduled for 2028, focuses on a mentor-student relationship.
• Pixar’s “Ghost Market,” set in Hawaii, will tell the story of a content creator meeting hungry ghosts.
• “Gatto,” coming in 2027 from director Enrico Casarosa.